The Scranton resident, who works at his family's business, Stirna's, is the proud owner of an impressive collection of original comic book art that he has amassed for close to eight years.

As a young boy, Mr. Gavin bought comics and Transformers toys like any other kid. But he always took extra special care of them and never really threw anything away, so that he still owns most of the items from his childhood.

Mr. Gavin, 36, got back into reading graphic novels in his early 20s, around the same time he took an interest in other items like hand-carved pipes after receiving one from his aunt. The pipes weren't enough to hold his attention, though he still collects them, so Mr. Gavin looked into comic art.

His first acquisition, an image of the character Savage Dragon from "The 10th Muse" superhero series, occurred around 2007.

"Comics have become such a big business because they've gone up in fashion," Mr. Gavin said. "Back when comics started, no one ever knew these were worth money."

So much so that many of the earliest original drawings - what would be the most valuable in today's markets - were treated like garbage and simply don't exist anymore, he added.

The explosion of comic-based films, like the "Thor" and "Avengers" series, as well as successful television programs like "The Walking Dead," gives credence to the hobby, even if it does inspire some market competition.

"I've seen a bunch of big-name pieces pop up that I've never seen before in the market as TV shows and movies become more popular," Mr. Gavin said.

Many of the pieces in his collection come from e-commerce sites like eBay or big auction houses, though his favorite place to browse and interact with other collectors and artists is the website comicartfans.com.

"You can get on there and have a conversation with inkers and artists," Mr. Gavin said of the site. "It's a weird fraternity of guys, mostly, where everyone's really open about their collections and congratulatory."

These days, Mr. Gavin's original comic art, all insured, includes approximately 40 pieces kept in frames and portfolios, all in acid-free environments to avoid yellowing.

Fantasy crimefighters such as Captain America and the X-Men rest alongside anti-heroes like the Hulk and Preacher, and even villains including the Joker. Some are images that appeared on covers, while others were featured on inside splash or centerpiece pages. Several items have test strokes or full sketches on the back, and the layers of ink are visible upon close inspection.

Mr. Gavin also has a dozen large storage boxes filled with comic books in his apartment, and still "religiously" visits his favorite store, Comics on the Green in downtown Scranton, weekly to stock up on new comics.

"It's not just a nerd thing anymore," Mr. Gavin said of reading comics. "It's more chic."

Ironically, as comics become more popular, the old way of making them becomes more rare.

"It's a dying artform in terms of hand to paper as people go more digital," Mr. Gavin explained. "Which is good for waste, but to me, it's sad because I love the art itself. If I'm reading a comic I really enjoy, I try to get a piece of it."

Mr. Gavin said he has been lucky enough to get many of the pieces he's seen and loved, though it hasn't always been easy.

The strangest circumstances occurred when he drove to New York City and picked up a painting from a man he prepaid online.

"I drove out myself to a less-than-upscale neighborhood," he said with a laugh. "I'm double-parked in New York ... he would not let me up to his apartment and it was just strange.

"It was super weird how it went down. It felt like a drug deal gone bad," Mr. Gavin joked. "The process of getting the art is sometimes very nerve-wracking."

Though collecting art is considered by most to be a very adult hobby, Mr. Gavin acknowledged that his particular lot doesn't always get the respect it deserves since comics are largely looked at as a juvenile pastime, and unfairly so, he believes.

"Some of these guys are the best literary geniuses in the world," he insisted. "They talk about everything from political issues to race, but it's overlooked because it's comics.

"I've always been like a big kid. When I moved from toys to art, the art usually embodies what I like, which is kid stuff," Mr. Gavin said. "A lot of times, people don't have passions in life, but this will keep me busy for quite a while down the road. Usually people are amazed and surprised when they find this out about me."

Objects of his affection: Mr. Gavin has a few unique collections, including hand-carved pipes and sculptures, but his largest collection is of original comic book art. Prized possession

Mr. Gavin's favorite piece in his extensive collection of original comic book art is a mixed media painting titled "Sons of the Empire," by artist James Jean, which appeared on the cover of the comic series "Fables."

Mr. Gavin obtained the piece in 2011, after appealing to its former owner in Norway for years. He first spotted the painting on the website comicartfans.com, where collectors showcase their art, and contacted the poster.

"I was nervous for a week before it arrived," Mr. Gavin said. "Because no courier will ensure it for what it's worth."

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